Starting the maintenance to the engine Part 1

I used the part 1 in the title as I have yet to finish the engine.  Took the battery out and checked the water/acid level and than hooked it up to a trickle charger.  Checked the gas tank and drained what was left out and put a splash of new gas in it and swirled around to clean it out, shined a light in and was shiny.  Bonus.  Mixed some new gas up and hooked the tank back up along with the battery after it sat for 24 hours.  Turned the key and CLICK from the solenoid.

Ok time for some diagnostics.  Checked the connections to the battery and the starter.  Everything was tight, unhooked the light wiring that I had to redo (as stated in previous post PO butchered the wiring for the lights adding various items in)  turned the key and CLICK.  dang.  ok hook that back up.  Called my local junkyard/back yard  mechanic which every small town has, told him I was working on an old boat and engine and needed some help.  within 15mins I heard a loud rumble coming from an exhaust sans muffler.  He jumped out of his car, grabbed his battery, hooked it up, turned the key and the engine tried to come to life.

OK on that note I know feel about 3 inches tall calling him to come down when I forgot the double check the battery after reinstalling it.  Ok so the engine atleast tries to turn over that's a good sign and another bonus.

Pull the vent plug for the lower unit gear oil...... nothing.... hmmm possible not a good thing, pull the drain plug.....  water..... with a small amount of gear oil.....  definitely NOT a good thing.

To the internets I go.  Order a repair manual for my engine as I know this is no longer a simple maintenance job.  This is going to be a total rebuild of the lower unit.  As I sit here typing this the boat is in the bay of one my barns waiting every so patiently for my return once the parts and the manual gets here.

To be continued once items get to house.  Also noted I have gotten this updated to current point.